Access Technology for Blind and Visually
Impaired Persons

CONTEXT: The authors describe four methods that persons who are blind or
visually impaired use to access information: enhanced image, braille, synthetic speech and
optical character recognition. These devices can be used separately or in combination to
access consumer products, personal computers and printed information. Each category of
device is described in detail and examples are provided of products currently available.
Brief descriptions follow:

Enhanced image devices provide a method of accessing printed material or personal computer
(PCs) through magnification hardware and software. Closed circuit television (CCTV) is
used for print information. With technological advancements, CCTVs will probably use high
resolution, flat panel color displays and smaller digital cameras, which will enhance both
the color image and portability.

Optical character recognition (OCR) systems convert print into an electronic form
accessible via adaptive equipment, allowing persons who are blind or visually impaired
access to print materials. Drawbacks of current technology include the need to have
reasonably high quality print and the inability to recognize handwritten materials.

A synthetic speech system, the major method by which blind and visually impaired person
access information from a PC, is composed of a synthesizer for "speaking," and a
screen access program "that tells the synthesizer what to say." The qualities
and current limitations of synthetic speech are described, with a note emphasizing the
likely improvements to come. These include human-like voices and easy access to all
software, including graphics.

Braille access through paperless braille devices provide another means to access personal
computers. These devices are described in detail. They offer a major advantage over speech
programs by allowing the user to immediately learn the format of the data on the computer
screen. When proofreading, the user quickly catches misspellings, extra spaces between
words, and accidental capitalizations. The price remains the major disadvantage. The
authors also describe the relative advantages of braille notetakers and braille printers.
Braille notetakers, as small, portable devices with braille keyboards for entering
information, use a speech synthesizer or braille display for output. They are popular for
use in classrooms, meetings, and on business trips due to their size, flexibility, cost
and quality of silence during data entry. Braille printers convert text files into
hard-copy braille (computer braille, grade 1 or grade 2 braille). Current disadvantages of
braille printers are that they are noisy and expensive. We can, however, anticipate
developments in plastic materials to result in the production of a reasonably priced
full-page braille display.

Outcomes/Reflections:

The authors conclude by noting the monumental advances in improving opportunities for
people with disabilities made over the past decade in both access technology and societal
awareness. The challenge continues in attempts to provide equality of access to
information for persons who are blind and visually impaired, particularly in light of the
trend toward pictorial information in lieu of text.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Note: NCIP's funding ended September 1998. For more information about this
resource, please contact:

Elliot Schreier is director of the National Technology Center (E-mail: techctr@afb.org) of the American
Foundation for the Blind, Inc. He supervises research and development, information
dissemination and evaluations activities on technology used by blind and visually impaired
persons.

Jay Leventhal is resource specialist at the National Technology Center of the American
Foundation for the Blind, Inc. He has published product comparisons on assistive
technology, including electronic braille displays, braille notetakers, laptop computers
with speech, and technology-related publications. He coordinates the Careers and
Technology Information Bank (CTIB), a data base that provides information about jobs held,
and assistive technology used by persons who are blind and visually impaired. He holds a
bachelor's degree in psychology.

Mark M. Uslan is manager of the Technology Center of the American Foundation for the
Blind, Inc. For more than ten years he has been involved in research on orientation and
mobility for persons who are blind and visually impaired.

This
material was developed by the National Center to Improve Practice
(NCIP), located at Education Development Center, Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts.
NCIP was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
from October 1, 1992 - September 30, 1998, Grant #H180N20013. Permission is granted
to copy and disseminate this information. If you do so, please cite NCIP.
Contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education,
nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement
by NCIP, EDC, or the U.S. Government. This site was last updated in September
1998.